Stunned by what they had just heard, Amanda and Lawton looked at Madame Williams. Her mother was giving her brother the project after Amanda had worked so hard to close this agreement. The visitors started talking about this sudden shift with a murmur. Hurt and bewildered, Amanda turned to face Lawton. "Just what is happening? What would make her do this?" Raymond moved in before Lawton could answer. "Mother, I spoke with Charles, and I know this change seems abrupt. The Williams family name has always stood for honesty and integrity. We might lose our image if word gets out that Amanda got this meeting via... less than honest means." Talking, he glanced slyly at Lawton. Lawton's eyebrows furrowed as he understood that Raymond was suggesting he was involved. He wasn't entirely off. Still, for the time being, Lawton bit his tongue. To her mother, Amanda turned. "But this is what I worked so hard for. You assured me I could oversee the project." Madame Williams flinched. "I apologize,
Lawton felt sick to his stomach as he woke up. Though he knew that this day would come eventually, he had been dreading its coming. Amanda was in their small kitchen preparing an early breakfast. The refreshing smell of toast mixed with the aroma of fresh coffee. He stepped closer to her, forcing a smile. Trying to sound casual, he said, "Tessa's medical expenses have gotten quite steep, I'm hoping to negotiate a better payment plan this morning before the collectors come calling again." It pained him to use their fragile financial situation as an excuse, but it was a believable enough story to get Amanda to worry less.Amanda turned to him with a concerned look. "Oh Lawton, I wish we didn't have to struggle like this constantly." She placed the spatula on the counter and walked towards him, embracing him tightly. "I'll accompany you. Perhaps they will be more reasonable if we approach them as a couple."Lawton shook his head. "No need, I can handle this. You just focus on getting Rox
After Lawton's discussion with Smithson, he exited the room abruptly. As Lawton walked down the stairs of the grand luxurious house, he couldn't help but replay the conversation he just had with Smithson,“I need to get information on Raymond as soon as possible," he muttered.He reached the bottom stairs of the spacious mansion with high ceilings, exquisite artwork, and sculptures, he was evidently tired and was about to open the door to his room when he heard a voice,"Do you need anything, sir?" The voice inquired, Instantly he turned back to have a look at who it was.“No" he responded after discovering it was one of the workers in the mansion, then proceeded to shut the door."What a day!" he muttered and involuntarily opened his mouth to inhale air due to tiredness.Laying down on the bed, he couldn’t help thinking of what a long day he had just had and a stray thought of Amanda and his father crossed his mind thereafter. He shut his eyes, bothered about the long day the next da
Lawton was taken again by unexpected news of his father's accident, it was the last piece of news he had anticipated at the moment. At first, he assumed his ears were deceiving him and later he assumed it was a silly prank, "is this some kind of joke?" He inquired from Smithson, "I wish it was" Smithson grumbled taking his eyes off Lawton. His eyes widened in shock as he looked at Smisthon, trying to process the bad news he had just heard. He opened his mouth to speak but words failed him, his heart had begin to race while his cupped hand was on his lips. "I understand that the news of your father's accident must be a lot to take in, but you have responsibilities to worry about right now," Smithson muttered, as he broke the ongoing silence. Lawton looked lost unsure of what Smithson really meant. Smithson cleared his throat as an obstrution had suddenly grew in it. "Responsibilities?" He mumbled, as he looked at Smisthon who immediately continued to talk. "The company needs yo
The next day, Lawton stood outside the towering corporate headquarters of the company. The massive glass structure loomed over him, reflecting the bustling streets below, its sharp edges cutting into the skyline. For a moment, he lingered at the entrance, his mind running through the details that Smithson, the family butler, had shared with him the night before. His father was in a coma, and the company’s future now rested on his shoulders—a responsibility he hadn't prepared for. Taking a deep breath, he straightened his posture and stepped inside the building, his footsteps echoing across the marble floors of the grand lobby. Everything around him screamed of corporate success—the polished floors, the sleek furniture, the hurried pace of well-dressed employees moving about their daily tasks. Yet, Lawton felt an odd sense of distance. He had never been part of this world, but now, whether he liked it or not, it was his. His eyes landed on the reception desk, a long, curved station
As soon as they left the lobby downstairs, Smithson chatted idly with Lawton, while leading him to the boardroom. Their footsteps echoed in the grand hallways as they made their way to the conference room where the executives were waiting. Lawton knew what to expect—resistance, opposition, doubt. But he had already prepared for it. As soon as he stepped into the room, the tension was palpable. The executives, seated in a semicircle around the long, polished table, immediately turned their eyes to him. The atmosphere was cold, judgmental. These were men who had been loyal to his father for years, and they had little faith in Lawton's ability to lead. "So, you're the one taking over," one of them sneered, a man named Harris, the CFO. His grey hair matched the look of disdain on his face. "This isn’t a game, young man. Running a company like this isn’t something you inherit because your father’s in a coma." Lawton remained calm, taking his seat at the head of the table. He’d been expe
The Next Day. Lawton walked into their small apartment, his mind weighed down by the chaos of the day. After spending time at his father’s company, the contrast between this modest space and the opulent mansion he had just left was hard to ignore. The small, dimly lit rooms felt like a far cry from the grandeur he was used to. It wasn’t just the size or appearance—it was a reminder of everything that had happened in the past 24 hours. Lawton’s thoughts raced as he replayed the series of humiliating moments at the company. His father’s workers had treated him as though he were still a child, someone unworthy of the authority he should have rightfully inherited. His father, still in a coma, left him to face these challenges alone. Until his father woke, everything remained in limbo—just as it had been for days. Smithson had hinted at some deeper family secrets, but Lawton couldn’t bring himself to pry. His father’s absence weighed heavily on him, and the frustration of it all gnawed a
Lawton arrived at the city hospital lost in deep contemplation during the journey. Startled by the driver's announcement of their arrival, he thanked him and quickly made his way inside. Rushing to the reception, Lawton calmly identified himself and inquired about his mother.The receptionist at the hospital informed him with a warm smile, "The room your mother was admitted to is 302 upstairs, the first room on your left." Lawton thanked her and hurriedly ascended the stairs, his heart racing with concern.As he made his way to his mother's room, Lawton's footsteps echoed in the hallway. He located the room and immediately opened the door to his mother's room."Mother," he said tearfully while moving to the side of his hospitalized mother's bed. "Lawton, I'm fine," his mother said slowly, opening her eyes to see her teary son."How did this happen?" he asked, his voice trembling with emotion. "I was on my way back home from shopping when a car hit our car, and that is all I remember.